Benefits

Kimchee, kombucha, kefir. Have you seen some of these items at the grocery story lately and thought, what is that? They are all fermented foods — a group that is growing rapidly for their health benefits.

The former president’s surgery took place at a private hospital in Dallas, which had some people wondering: What benefits do former presidents receive? How about members of Congress after they leave office?

More than 50 million Americans get a social security check every month. But some Democrats and liberal groups are upset about a proposed change in the way the cost of living adjustment is calculated. Making a switch could save more than $100 billion in 10 years.

More than 400 American Crystal Sugars workers in North Dakota who are locked out in a contract dispute are eligible for unemployment benefits, the state Supreme Court said in a ruling issued released Tuesday.

The SEIU Local 26 voted unanimously on Saturday afternoon to give their negotiators the power to strike. Thousands of workers who clean and protect building across the Twin Cities are ready to walk off the job.

Low-income students may get smaller grants and the newly disabled might have to wait longer for their benefits. And just about every politician is going to get an earful from the local PTA if school aid gets whacked.